Professional Growth

Discounted Online PD Courses 

NEA-Alaska has partnered with University of Alaska and VESi to offer members a yearly subscription to 500-level Post-Baccalaureate PD Credit courses for $225 per year. You can enroll in one course per term or two courses during the summer (if you skip fall or spring), for a total of 3 courses per year.

• Choose from over 30 online courses for license renewal and salary advancement
• Learn online at your own pace from the convenience of your home
• Three courses (up to nine credits) per year for $225 — a savings of over $1,000 per year

Course topics include:

• Assessment
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Autism & Asperger’s Disorder
• Classroom Management
• Common Core
• Differentiated Instruction
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Early Childhood
• Elementary/Secondary Math Concepts
• English Language Learner
• Mental Health
• Reading & Writing
• Talented & Gifted Students
• Violence & Bullying

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Micro-Credentials

NEA-Alaska is proud to offer NEA-Microdentials. A micro-credential is a short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area. NEA micro-credentials are grounded in research and best practice and designed to be

• Personalized: You can create your own learning journey, based on your interests and career goals; gaps in your skills; and the specific needs of your students, school, and district.
• Flexible: You can study when it’s convenient for you, alone or with your peers.
• Performance-based: Unlike “sit-and-get” certifications, NEA micro-credentials are awarded based on demonstrated mastery of the subject matter, not just for showing up.

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VIEW THE MICRO-CREDENTIAL LIBRARY

Our micro-credentials are free for all of our members. Non-members may participate in our micro-credential program, but must pay any associated fees.

If using a micro-credential for renewal credit, please check with your district's professional development coordinator to ensure they approve the course for renewal credits before starting.

Opportunities through the NEA Center for Great Public Schools

The NEA Center for Great Public Schools supports our members as they pursue the vision for great teaching and learning throughout their entire careers.  Some of these efforts include:

• The Teacher Leadership Institute that provides tools for our members to create genuine transformation of the entire organization – classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.
• The Early Leadership Institute supports educators from the very outset of their careers for a trajectory of excellence and professional leadership. The Early Career Learning Labs provide an opportunity to investigate a problem of practice collaboratively along with a virtual coach. 
• Jump Start provides support to educators interested in pursuing National Board Certification. The program is supported by NEA in collaboration with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 
• Support for Cooperating Teachers is available in multiple formats including micro-credentials, blended learning study groups, and a curriculum addressing the major elements of the student-teacher/mentor-teacher relationship and work. 

Other Professional Development Resources

Three excellent sources provide guidance to help educators make professional learning decisions and also help them create and advocate for a culture that supports their growth:

• NEA’s Great Teaching and Learning Report. In addition to describing a vision for professional learning at various times of a professional’s career, it also identifies five elements of organizational culture that are necessary for transforming our schools and for supporting professional excellence. 
• Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Learning. These standards provide specific guidance in the design and implementation of professional learning experiences that support growth in both the knowledge and skills for the professional educator. 
• Education Support Professionals (ESP) Professional Growth Continuum. This document provides guidance for each of the nine ESP categories for professional growth.